“Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:”
I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel — Paul's personal preference (eboulomēn) to retain Onesimus is overridden by respect for Philemon's rights. The service (diakonē) Onesimus would render compensates for Philemon's inability to help Paul during captivity. The phrase on your behalf (hyper sou) makes Onesimus a proxy for Philemon's unavailable presence — a substitute grace. Yet Paul chooses not to claim this right, deferring to Philemon's will.
Church Fathers on Philemon 1:13
Do you see after how much previous preparation, he has at length brought him honorably before his master, and observe with how much wisdom he has done this. See for how much he makes him answerable, and how much he honors the other. You have found, he says, a way by which you may through him repay your service to me. Here he shows that he has considered his advantage more than that of his slave, and that he respects him exceedingly.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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